Design method for axially compressed H-sectional aluminium alloy slender column based on CSM

•This study introduces the continuous strength method (CSM) for the design of axially compressed H-section aluminium alloy slender columns for the first time.•Comprehensive experimental and numerical simulation tests are conducted to deeply understand the axial compression performance and failure modes of H-section aluminium alloy slender columns.•A CSM-based design method is proposed to predict the load-carrying capacity of axially compressed H-section aluminium alloy slender columns.•Comparative evaluations and reliability analysis of the proposed design method and current design standards are conducted in this study to prove their accuracy, consistency, and reliability. In this study, a section-limiting stress that considers the influence of cross-section slenderness on the load-carrying capacity proposed by the continuous strength method (CSM) is introduced for the first time in the design of axially compressed H-section aluminium alloy slender columns. Experimental and numerical simulation tests are conducted on these columns to understand their axial compression performance and failure modes, with subsequent validation of the numerical simulation methods. Using the CSM limiting stress, imperfection factor, and stability calculation factor, this study proposes a design method for the overall stability load-carrying capacity of axially compressed H-section aluminium alloy slender columns. The load-carrying capacity predictions of the proposed design method are compared with those of the European, American, Australian/New Zealand, and Chinese design standards using axial compression tests and numerical simulations. An evaluation of these design methods and standards is also presented. In addition, reliability analyses are conducted following the approaches proposed by the American Institute of Steel Construction and the European design standard to assess the reliability levels of the aforementioned design methods and standards. Finally, the study presents a calculation example of an aluminium alloy slender column using the proposed design method.